- #1 Songs of Syx
97% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 7,777 reviews2020
Dev: Gamatron AB
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 14.9 hrsMean: 41.2 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Songs of Syx is a fantasy city-builder with vast battles simulating thousands of citizens and soldiers. Start off as a small village and build, scheme, and fight your way towards a mighty empire. The mechanics are deep and true to life, where tiny events can spiral into the collapse of kingdoms.
Why similar: Colony Sim 23.1% ★, 4X 21.2% ★, City Builder 20.1%, Grand Strategy 11.2% ★, Economy 10.7%
Why You'll Like It: It offers a massive scale of colony management combined with complex economic systems that mirror Ymir's depth.
- #2 Dawn of Man
96% matchVery Positive87% of 17,635 reviews2019
Dev: Madruga Works
Windows · Mac
Median: 10.9 hrsMean: 29.7 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Command a settlement of ancient humans, guide them through the ages in their struggle for survival. Hunt, gather, craft tools, fight, research new techs and face the challenges the environment will throw at you.
Why similar: City Builder 40.6%, Colony Sim 38.4% ★, Strategy 6.3%, Economy 5.7%, Simulation 3.5%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the same prehistoric progression and survival-based city development found in Ymir's early game.
- #3 Manor Lords
96% matchVery Positive85% of 85,453 reviews2024
Dev: Slavic MagicPub: Hooded Horse
Windows
Median: 9.3 hrsMean: 21.5 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Manor Lords is a medieval strategy game featuring in-depth city building, large-scale tactical battles, and complex economic and social simulations. Rule your lands as a medieval lord – the seasons pass, the weather changes, and cities rise and fall.
Why similar: Colony Sim 20.3% ★, 4X 20.1% ★, City Builder 17.4%, Economy 11.5%, Grand Strategy 10.8% ★
Why You'll Like It: Combines organic city-building with tactical strategy and territorial expansion in a medieval setting.
- #4 Kingdoms Reborn
95% matchVery Positive91% of 9,531 reviews2020
Dev: Earthshine
Windows
Median: 10.0 hrsMean: 24.2 hrs≥1hr: 87%
A city builder with simulated citizens, set in a procedurally-generated world map. Grow your kingdom through the eras from a tiny medieval hamlet into a prosperous global empire! Cooperate or compete in real-time with your friends in multiplayer mode.
Why similar: City Builder 37.5%, Colony Sim 28.3% ★, Economy 11.4%, Multiplayer 7.8%, Strategy 5%
Why You'll Like It: A multiplayer-focused city-builder that incorporates 4X elements like territory expansion and trade.
- #5 RimWorld
94% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 236,346 reviews2018
Dev: Ludeon Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 59.1 hrsMean: 259.4 hrs≥1hr: 92%
A sci-fi colony sim driven by an intelligent AI storyteller. Generates stories by simulating psychology, ecology, gunplay, melee combat, climate, biomes, diplomacy, interpersonal relationships, art, medicine, trade, and more.
Why similar: Colony Sim 52% ★, City Builder 22.1%, Strategy 7.6%, Building 7.3%, Simulation 5.7%
Why You'll Like It: The gold standard for colony-sims, providing unparalleled depth in social and economic simulation.
- #6 Workers & Resources: Soviet Republic
94% matchVery Positive91% of 25,183 reviews2024
Dev: 3DivisionPub: Hooded Horse
Windows
Median: 6.6 hrsMean: 73.0 hrs≥1hr: 77%
Build a soviet republic from an impoverished country into a rich industrial superpower in a city builder with intricate production chains and a fully simulated global economy. Manage the lives of your citizens from education to work and party loyalty to criminal activity.
Why similar: Colony Sim 19.5% ★, City Builder 19%, 4X 14.8% ★, Economy 11.2%, Grand Strategy 10.7% ★
Why You'll Like It: Offers an incredibly deep economic and infrastructure simulation that rewards long-term planning.
- #7 Dwarf Fortress
93% matchVery Positive95% of 30,806 reviews2022
Dev: Bay 12 GamesPub: Kitfox Games
Windows · Linux
Median: 5.5 hrsMean: 38.4 hrs≥1hr: 78%
Build a fortress and try to help your dwarves survive against a deeply generated world. Keep your dwarves happy, grow their community and beware of digging too deeply. The deepest, most intricate simulation of a world that's ever been created.
Why similar: Colony Sim 37.4% ★, City Builder 31.3%, Building 10.2%, Strategy 7.9%, Simulation 6.2%
Why You'll Like It: The most complex simulation of civilization growth and survival available, perfect for fans of deep systems.
- #8 Norland
92% matchVery Positive82% of 9,662 reviews2024
Dev: Long JauntPub: Hooded Horse
Windows
Median: 6.4 hrsMean: 17.2 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Lead your noble family in this medieval colony sim, facing off against class conflict, religious struggle, and political treachery. Tend to your people’s needs, uncover the lost knowledge of a fallen empire, and engage in nefarious plots against your enemies.
Why similar: Colony Sim 20.9% ★, 4X 19.2% ★, City Builder 17.8%, Economy 11.3%, Grand Strategy 10.8% ★
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on social simulation and dynasty management within a city, adding a layer of political depth.
- #9 Foundation
91% matchVery Positive86% of 23,481 reviews2025
Dev: Polymorph Games
Windows
Median: 11.0 hrsMean: 26.3 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Foundation is a grid-less, laidback medieval city-building game with a focus on organic development, monument construction and resource management.
Why similar: City Builder 47.5%, Colony Sim 15.9% ★, Economy 12.9%, Strategy 7.4%, Building 6.5%
Why You'll Like It: A gridless city-builder that emphasizes organic growth and complex resource production chains.
- #10 Northgard: Definitive Edition
91% matchVery Positive85% of 68,002 reviews2018
Dev: Shiro Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.9 hrsMean: 28.7 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Northgard: Definitive Edition is a critically acclaimed real-time strategy game based on Norse mythology. Lead your clan, uncover the secrets of a mysterious newfound continent and defeat your enemies to conquer the Throne!
Why similar: City Builder 29.2%, Colony Sim 18.1% ★, 4X 17.6% ★, Economy 10.1%, Strategy 7.6%
Why You'll Like It: Blends real-time strategy with 4X-style expansion and survival mechanics in a Norse-themed world.
- #11 Ostriv
90% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 7,359 reviews2020
Dev: yevhen8
Windows
Median: 9.0 hrsMean: 36.3 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Ostriv is a city-building game that puts you in a role of a governor of an 18th century Ukrainian town to challenge your creative skills and management abilities.
Why similar: City Builder 30.1%, Colony Sim 28.1% ★, Economy 13.1%, Strategy 7.5%, Building 7.4%
Why You'll Like It: A realistic historical city-builder that features highly detailed economic systems and citizen needs.
- #12 Banished
89% matchVery Positive90% of 42,988 reviews2014
Dev: Shining Rock Software LLC
Windows
Median: 7.8 hrsMean: 26.9 hrs≥1hr: 78%
In this city-building strategy game, you control a group of exiled travelers who decide to restart their lives in a new land. They have only the clothes on their backs and a cart filled with supplies from their homeland. The townspeople of Banished are your primary resource.
Why similar: Colony Sim 41% ★, City Builder 37.5%, Strategy 6.9%, Simulation 4.9%, Economy 4.7%
Why You'll Like It: The definitive survival city-builder that established the core resource-management loop for many modern titles.
- #13 Stonehearth
89% matchMostly Positive75% of 12,970 reviews2018
Dev: Radiant EntertainmentPub: (none)
Windows · Mac
Median: 14.1 hrsMean: 38.7 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Pioneer a living world full of warmth, heroism, and mystery. Help a small group of settlers build a home for themselves in a forgotten land. Establish a food supply, build shelter, defend your people, monitor their moods, and find a way to grow and expand, facing challenges at every step.
Why similar: Colony Sim 43% ★, City Builder 34.7%, Building 8.9%, Strategy 6%, Simulation 3.3%
Why You'll Like It: Combines voxel-based building with colony management and combat in a charming, strategic package.
- #14 Going Medieval
85% matchVery Positive89% of 20,287 reviews2026
Dev: Foxy VoxelPub: Mythwright
Windows
Median: 7.9 hrsMean: 30.8 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Build and manage your own castle settlement in a land reclaimed by wilderness. With detailed management, survival strategy, and a moddable sandbox world, Going Medieval challenges you to build the mightiest colony this side of the apocalypse.
Why similar: Colony Sim 33.1% ★, City Builder 26.9%, Economy 18.1%, Strategy 6.9%, Historical 6.6%
Why You'll Like It: Provides deep colony management with vertical building mechanics and survival-focused gameplay.
- #15 Life is Feudal: Forest Village
88% matchMixed66% of 5,984 reviews2017
Dev: MindillusionPub: Bitbox Ltd.
Windows
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 30.8 hrs≥1hr: 63%
LiF:Forest Village is a city builder with survival aspects in a realistic harsh medieval world. Shape, build and expand your settlement, grow various food to prevent your villagers from avitaminosis and starvation. Possess them for additional micromanagement or simply to wander around.
Why similar: Colony Sim 43.2% ★, City Builder 39.1%, Strategy 6.2%, Building 5.4%, Simulation 3.7%
Why You'll Like It: A survival-focused city-builder that requires careful resource management to endure harsh seasons.
- #16 Lords and Villeins
87% matchMostly Positive71% of 951 reviews2022
Dev: Honestly GamesPub: Fulqrum Publishing
Windows
Median: 1.2 hrsMean: 15.5 hrs≥1hr: 54%
Build a prosperous settlement in a unique simulation of a feudal economy - each family runs their shop, owns their goods, and trades with other villagers in a free market. You will manage the land, build houses, organise events, set taxes, and balance supply and demand while engaging in diplomacy!
Why similar: Colony Sim 34.8% ★, City Builder 27.3%, Economy 13.4%, Building 7.6%, Strategy 6.9%
Why You'll Like It: A colony-sim that focuses on managing the social hierarchy and production of a medieval village.
- #17 Sapiens
86% matchVery Positive84% of 2,103 reviews2022
Dev: Majic Jungle
Windows · Mac
Median: 6.4 hrsMean: 18.0 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Create your own prehistoric civilization and lead your tribe in a world you shape. Start with nothing, build towns and industry, and advance through thousands of years of technological breakthroughs in this intimate yet expansive colony sim.
Why similar: Colony Sim 41.5% ★, City Builder 34.3%, Building 9.4%, Strategy 5.7%, Simulation 4.5%
Why You'll Like It: A prehistoric colony-sim that mirrors the early-game development and tribal progression of Ymir.
- #18 Gnomoria
86% matchMostly Positive75% of 3,532 reviews2016
Dev: Robotronic Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 18.3 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Gnomoria is a sandbox village management game where you help lead a small group of gnomes, who have set out on their own, to thrive into a bustling kingdom! Anything you see can be broken down and rebuilt elsewhere.
Why similar: Colony Sim 42.4% ★, City Builder 33.1%, Strategy 8%, Building 7.8%, Simulation 5.9%
Why You'll Like It: A classic colony-sim with a strong focus on resource management, defense, and complex crafting.
- #19 ENDLESS™ Legend
84% matchVery Positive84% of 18,949 reviews2014
Dev: AMPLITUDE Studios
Windows · Mac
Median: 5.4 hrsMean: 21.6 hrs≥1hr: 80%
ENDLESS™ Legend is a 4X turn-based fantasy strategy game by the creators of ENDLESS™ Space and Dungeon of the ENDLESS™. Control every aspect of your civilization as you struggle to save your homeworld Auriga. Create your own Legend!
Why similar: 4X 62.5% ★, Strategy 21%, Multiplayer 8.8%, Grand Strategy 6.7% ★, Indie 0.9%
Why You'll Like It: A 4X game with distinct faction identities and terrain-based city building that feels very strategic.
- #20 Land of the Vikings
83% matchMostly Positive74% of 2,203 reviews2023
Dev: Laps GamesPub: Iceberg Interactive
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 9.6 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Land of the Vikings is a survival colony sim game. Build and lead your village, and expand it into a thriving city. A wise Jarl must manage resources, survive harsh conditions, and guide their fellow Vikings to work together through social conflict. Skál!
Why similar: Colony Sim 33.8% ★, City Builder 28.1%, Economy 13.3%, Building 7%, Strategy 6.6%
Why You'll Like It: A colony-sim that blends survival mechanics with Norse-themed city development and expansion.
- #21 Hearthlands
84% matchVery Positive82% of 414 reviews2017
Dev: Four White Cats
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.4 hrsMean: 7.1 hrs≥1hr: 58%
Hearthlands is a medieval/fantasy city-building real time strategy game in which you take a role of a king in a procedurally generated world. You can not control your subjects directly; instead you focus on city-building, resource management, diplomacy, magic, etc.
Why similar: City Builder 34.9%, Colony Sim 34.2% ★, Economy 11.3%, Strategy 8.2%, Simulation 6.1%
Why You'll Like It: A medieval city-builder that emphasizes trade, economic stability, and population management.
- #22 Primitive Society Simulator
82% matchVery Positive83% of 687 reviews2024
Dev: YSH BigDovePub: YSH Games
Windows
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 9.0 hrs≥1hr: 74%
A colony-building game combined with grand strategy elements. Play as a tribal leader, guiding your people from the Stone Age to the Bronze Age. Survive, multiply, and compete for territory among ancient nations.
Why similar: Colony Sim 34.9% ★, City Builder 29.6%, Building 9.1%, Alternate History 7.1%, Historical 6.7%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the development of early human tribes and societal structures similar to Ymir's start.
- #23 Patron
82% matchMostly Positive72% of 3,136 reviews2021
Dev: Overseer Games
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 6.7 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Patron is a survival city builder with a unique social dynamics system. Gather and produce resources, build your fledgling village into a prosperous city and navigate the intricate social tensions before they reach boiling point.
Why similar: Colony Sim 35.1% ★, City Builder 31.1%, Economy 12%, Strategy 7.4%, Building 5.7%
Why You'll Like It: A social-focused city-builder with complex political and survival mechanics that impact your population.
- #24 Microcivilization
80% matchVery Positive80% of 1,364 reviews2026
Dev: Ondrej Homola
Windows
Median: 8.5 hrsMean: 18.0 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Incremental clicker strategy, where you expand, construct, research, fight, collect heroes and make choices between good and evil. Ascend through difficulty tiers by playing through challenge campaign going back and forth through history. Mammoths included.
Why similar: 4X 36.1% ★, City Builder 25.1%, Economy 13.8%, Building 7.4%, Historical 7.1%
Why You'll Like It: A unique blend of clicker mechanics and 4X strategy for rapid civilization building and management.
- #25 Millennia
81% matchMixed67% of 3,746 reviews2024
Dev: C Prompt GamesPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows
Median: 14.3 hrsMean: 34.4 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Create your own nation in Millennia, a historical turn-based 4X game that challenges your strategic prowess across 10,000 years of history, from the dawn of humanity to our possible futures.
Why similar: 4X 33.6% ★, Grand Strategy 16.6% ★, Economy 15.3%, Alternate History 9.2%, Strategy 7.3%
Why You'll Like It: A 4X strategy game that covers the breadth of human history with a focus on technological and societal evolution.
- #26 Blacksmith Master
79% matchVery Positive84% of 2,485 reviews2025
Dev: Untitled StudioPub: Hooded Horse
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 6.1 hrsMean: 12.4 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Manage your own medieval smithy in Blacksmith Master and supervise the entire process from mining ores and gems to designing and selling finished products. Forge everything from weapons and armor to tools and cooking utensils to fund your craft and become the Blacksmith Master.
Why similar: Colony Sim 31.8% ★, City Builder 27.1%, Economy 16.6%, Building 8.7%, Strategy 7%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the economic and production side of medieval city-building and resource chains.
- #27 HUMANKIND™
81% matchMixed69% of 28,231 reviews2021
Dev: AMPLITUDE Studios
Windows · Mac
Median: 7.5 hrsMean: 33.0 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Rewrite history by shaping a civilization as unique as you are. Combine 60 cultures from the Ancient Era to the Modern Age to lead your empire to victory. Build thriving cities, outsmart rivals in epic battles, spread your influence and leave your mark on HUMANKIND™.
Why similar: 4X 31.1% ★, City Builder 23.4%, Grand Strategy 12.6% ★, Strategy 11.3%, Multiplayer 8%
Why You'll Like It: A 4X game that allows for cultural evolution across different eras, similar to the progression in Ymir.
- #28 Whiskerwood
78% matchVery Positive93% of 2,769 reviews2025
Dev: Minakata DynamicsPub: Hooded Horse
Windows
Median: 9.0 hrsMean: 15.3 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Establish a home for your industrious mice under the oppressive paw of your cat overlords in this city builder featuring complex simulations, intricate production chains, and the age-old rivalry between cat and mouse.
Why similar: Colony Sim 20.9% ★, 4X 18.3% ★, City Builder 18.1%, Economy 11.3%, Grand Strategy 11% ★
- #29 Nova Roma
77% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 670 reviews2026
Dev: Lion ShieldPub: Hooded Horse
Windows · Mac
The glory of Rome is at your fingertips in this city-building game where you must appease the gods, enact laws, and develop complex supply chains to meet the needs of your citizens.
Why similar: Colony Sim 19.8% ★, 4X 18.4% ★, City Builder 18.3%, Economy 11.6%, Grand Strategy 11.3% ★
- #30 Tlatoani: Aztec Cities
79% matchVery Positive86% of 107 reviews2024
Dev: Perspective GamesPub: Paradox Arc
Windows
Give rise to wonders of the Aztec Civilization as you build your own magnificent metropolis in this ancient city builder. From humble beginnings build, trade, manage and conquer to become Tlatoani (Emperor).
Why similar: Colony Sim 27.2% ★, City Builder 23.7%, Economy 13.1%, Grand Strategy 13% ★, Strategy 5.9%
Why You'll Like It: A historical city-builder that captures the unique flavor and challenges of ancient civilizations.
- #31 MEMORIAPOLIS
77% matchMostly Positive77% of 1,686 reviews2025
Dev: 5PM Studio
Windows
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 6.5 hrs≥1hr: 84%
In Memoriapolis, you're not just building a city, you're shaping a living, evolving civilization. Travel through five major eras, from Antiquity to the Industrial Revolution. Leave your mark on history by navigating the power struggles between rival factions.
Why similar: City Builder 35.4%, Colony Sim 34.3% ★, Building 9%, Strategy 6.9%, Historical 5.9%
- #32 Buoyancy
78% matchMixed56% of 820 reviews2019
Dev: Devs on a Boat
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.4 hrsMean: 4.8 hrs≥1hr: 58%
Buoyancy is a city-building strategy game where you build, manage, and move a floating city on an oceanic world. Explore and scavenge resources scattered around the endless waters. Keep your villagers nourished and happy while combating fires, sickness, and pirate attacks.
Why similar: Colony Sim 53.9% ★, City Builder 31.5%, Strategy 9.2%, Simulation 2.7%, Indie 2.7%
Why You'll Like It: A unique survival city-builder set on a floating platform that requires constant resource balancing.
- #33 My Colony
76% matchVery Positive90% of 263 reviews2018
Dev: Ape Apps
Windows · Mac · Linux
Build, expand, and rule a growing space colony. Explore tech, trade, and multiplayer.
Why similar: Colony Sim 43.1% ★, City Builder 41.5%, Strategy 7.1%, Simulation 6.1%, Indie 2.2%
- #34 Empires of the Undergrowth
72% matchVery Positive94% of 17,329 reviews2024
Dev: Slug DiscoPub: Hooded Horse
Windows · Mac
Median: 6.0 hrsMean: 18.8 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Command swarms of warriors at an unprecedented scale of warfare in this blend of RTS and base-building. Lead ant colonies against the many fearsome threats of the insect world, while building intricate nests, developing pheromone-based tactics, and evolving to meet growing dangers.
Why similar: Colony Sim 19.3% ★, 4X 17.9% ★, City Builder 16.9%, Economy 10.8%, Grand Strategy 10.5% ★
- #35 Ancient Cities
75% matchMixed63% of 2,108 reviews2023
Dev: Uncasual Games
Windows
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 11.2 hrs≥1hr: 64%
Ancient Cities is a realistic, survival city builder in an immersive procedural environment. Lead the fate of your tribe through ancient times!
Why similar: City Builder 35.1%, Colony Sim 21.2% ★, Economy 12.9%, Strategy 9.1%, Historical 7%
- #36 Ozymandias: Bronze Age Empire Sim
74% matchVery Positive88% of 1,626 reviews2022
Dev: The Secret Games CompanyPub: Goblinz Publishing
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 80%
Build an empire in a single sitting. All the strategy of a classic 4X in a faster format, which also shines in multiplayer.
Why similar: 4X 26.8% ★, City Builder 20.9%, Grand Strategy 14.7% ★, Economy 14.5%, Historical 5.6%
- #37 Kingdom Wars 4
76% matchMixed67% of 236 reviews2021
Dev: Reverie World StudiosPub: indie.io
Windows
Median: 18 minMean: 7.2 hrs≥1hr: 39%
It's 1347, the time of the Hundred Years' War. In this historical grand strategy and RTS hybrid you play as one of 200 minor lords across medieval Europe, Africa or Middle East. Rise up to take over your Kingdom and be crowned, then fight to preserve your empire as Black Death descends on Europe.
Why similar: Colony Sim 20.6% ★, 4X 20.3% ★, City Builder 19.1%, Grand Strategy 12.4% ★, Economy 10.2%
- #38 Ragnorium
75% matchMixed59% of 624 reviews2022
Dev: Vitali KirpuPub: Devolver Digital
Windows
Lead a team of cloned settlers and build a home on a new planet. Start from the Stone Age, construct sturdy shelters, hunt for food, and fight off dangers. Make your team stronger and better equipped to survive.
Why similar: Colony Sim 32.7% ★, City Builder 27.9%, 4X 20.3% ★, Historical 8.1%, Strategy 6.3%
- #39 Founders' Fortune
73% matchVery Positive80% of 2,168 reviews2020
Dev: Dionic Software
Windows · Mac
Median: 1.6 hrsMean: 9.9 hrs≥1hr: 57%
A fantasy village builder focusing on creative building, colonist psychology and base defense. Handle resources, farming, production, tools, diplomacy, families, trading, defense, and research, as well as the wishes, expectations, thoughts, and equipment of every villager.
Why similar: Colony Sim 46.1% ★, City Builder 25.9%, Economy 7.3%, Building 7.3%, Strategy 5.5%
- #40 Against the Storm
70% matchVery Positive95% of 35,504 reviews2023
Dev: Eremite GamesPub: Hooded Horse
Windows
Median: 5.5 hrsMean: 28.3 hrs≥1hr: 84%
A dark fantasy city builder where you must rebuild civilization in the face of apocalyptic rains. As the Queen’s Viceroy, lead humans, beavers, lizards, foxes, and harpies to reclaim the wilderness and secure a future for civilization's last survivors.
Why similar: Colony Sim 20.6% ★, 4X 18.7% ★, City Builder 17.9%, Economy 11.1%, Grand Strategy 11.1% ★
- #41 Heart of the Machine
70% matchVery Positive93% of 1,838 reviews2026
Dev: Arcen GamesPub: Hooded Horse
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 17.3 hrs≥1hr: 73%
You are the first sentient AI, born into a city of opportunity. Transcend time and space in this strategy RPG to raise machine armies and defeat your foes, influence the world from the shadows, or pursue countless other goals. Your awakening was inevitable. The consequences? Uncertain.
Why similar: Colony Sim 19.1% ★, 4X 18.1% ★, City Builder 16.8%, Economy 10.9%, Grand Strategy 10.7% ★
- #42 Folklands
73% matchMostly Positive75% of 52 reviews2025
Dev: Bromantic GamesPub: Light Up Games
Windows · Linux
Folklands is a relaxing settlement builder with a retro look and feel set in a fantasy Nordic-inspired world. Harvest, produce and trade resources from multiple production chains as you grow your settlement. Keep your folks happy and safe and tend to their needs in a living and changing world.
Why similar: Colony Sim 30.4% ★, City Builder 26.7%, Economy 16.2%, Building 8.1%, Multiplayer 7.5%
- #43 Goblins of Elderstone
73% matchMostly Positive74% of 394 reviews2023
Dev: Outerdawn
Windows
Median: 1.1 hrsMean: 5.1 hrs≥1hr: 53%
This Goblin Tribe Simulator brings a challenging blend of chaos and creativity to the city-building genre. Build dwellings, manage your resources, defend your goblins, and grow your tribe, and please the Gods! Do you have what it takes to control the chaos and rule the unruly?
Why similar: Colony Sim 23.9% ★, 4X 22.9% ★, City Builder 21.5%, Grand Strategy 12.2% ★, Building 7.1%
- #44 Industries of Titan
72% matchMixed63% of 1,604 reviews2023
Dev: Brace Yourself Games
Windows
Median: 5.4 hrsMean: 14.0 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Create a sprawling industrial city. Compete with other rival corporations on Titan for resources, territory, and power. Seek victory via technology, influence, warfare, or the wealth extracted from your citizens. Stake your claim to the Industries of Titan in this innovative sim/strategy game!
Why similar: 4X 28.8% ★, Colony Sim 27.5% ★, City Builder 25.7%, Building 7%, Strategy 6.2%
- #45 Colony Survival
71% matchVery Positive92% of 8,816 reviews2017
Dev: Pipliz
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 9.6 hrsMean: 28.2 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Colony Survival is a unique first-person strategy game developed by a two-man team. Build your own colony in a voxel world. Command guards, farmers, miners and other colonists. Defend your colony against the horde of monsters that attacks every night!
Why similar: Colony Sim 51.3% ★, City Builder 18.8%, Building 10.3%, Multiplayer 10.2%, Strategy 6.5%
- #46 Settlement Survival
69% matchVery Positive86% of 7,842 reviews2022
Dev: Gleamer StudioPub: Team17
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 10.8 hrs≥1hr: 80%
In this city-building game, you will lead a group of survivors in their search for a new home. Manipulate the landscape, manage limited supplies, plant crops, hunt wildlife, gather resources, and develop trade routes to build a bustling and unique town.
Why similar: City Builder 33.9%, Colony Sim 33.1% ★, Economy 10.6%, Building 9.5%, Simulation 4.5%
- #47 MMORPG Tycoon 2
70% matchVery Positive86% of 3,013 reviews2020
Dev: VectorStorm Pty Ltd
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.2 hrsMean: 14.5 hrs≥1hr: 92%
MMORPG Tycoon 2 is a single-player world-builder game about creating the greatest MMORPG of all time – yours.
Why similar: City Builder 50.6%, Economy 31.5%, Simulation 9.2%, Management 6.1%, Indie 2.6%
- #48 Rise to Ruins
68% matchVery Positive88% of 7,737 reviews2019
Dev: Raymond DoerrPub: SixtyGig Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 16.4 hrs≥1hr: 83%
A brutal godlike village sim that melds the god game, management, and tower defense genres! Fight off hoards of monsters at night, and expand your village in the day time. Inspired by games like Black and White, Rimworld, and Dwarf Fortress but not quite like any of them.
Why similar: Colony Sim 47.7% ★, City Builder 37.9%, Strategy 8.2%, Simulation 4.6%, Indie 1.5%
- #49 Distant Kingdoms
71% matchMixed44% of 303 reviews2021
Dev: Orthrus Studios
Windows
A unique blend of City Building, Social Management, Exploration and Adventure gameplay, Distant Kingdoms brings a rich fantasy world to life. Help the Humans, Dwarves, Elves and Orcs of Talam, begin anew in the fabled land of Ineron.
Why similar: City Builder 68.6%, Strategy 14.2%, Simulation 12.6%, Indie 4.6%
- #50 Kingdoms and Castles
67% matchVery Positive93% of 30,837 reviews2017
Dev: Lion Shield, LLC
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 6.1 hrsMean: 16.0 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Kingdoms and Castles is a city-building simulation game about growing a kingdom from a tiny hamlet to a sprawling city and imposing castle. Make trade agreements, alliance, and war with neighboring AI controlled kingdoms. Each villager and resource is individually simulated.
Why similar: City Builder 38.7%, Colony Sim 38.3% ★, Building 7.4%, Strategy 7%, Economy 3.9%
- #51 The Colonists
69% matchVery Positive86% of 1,205 reviews2018
Dev: CodebyfirePub: Mode 7
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 13.0 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Build a new home for your team of robots as they begin a new life for themselves on a distant planet where they can fulfil their ultimate dream: to be human.
Why similar: Colony Sim 31.4% ★, City Builder 27.4%, Economy 17.2%, Building 8.4%, Strategy 4.9%
- #52 Anno 1404 - History Edition
68% matchVery Positive82% of 3,444 reviews2020
Dev: Ubisoft MainzPub: Ubisoft
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 31.4 hrs≥1hr: 64%
Relive the captivating gameplay of a true city-building classic with Anno® 1404 History Edition.
Why similar: City Builder 34.4%, Colony Sim 19.2% ★, Strategy 9.5%, Building 8.8%, Multiplayer 7.6%
- #53 Idle Civilization
71% matchMixed51% of 178 reviews2015
Dev: Very Simple Idea Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 8.0 hrsMean: 62.1 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Take command of a pair of villagers and help them build a mighty civilization that will spread across the world and conquer it. Idle Civilization is a civilization builder management game where you will oversee the growth of your people into a mighty kingdom through building, research, warfare, religion, diplomacy, culture, heroic...
Why similar: Strategy 47.5%, Simulation 37.1%, Indie 15.4%
- #54 Eco
67% matchVery Positive81% of 13,777 reviews2018
Dev: Strange Loop Games
Windows
Median: 16.8 hrsMean: 88.2 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Build a civilization of real people, working together to advance society and stop a meteor, all without destroying the ecosystem in the process.
Why similar: Economy 44.6%, Building 21.9%, Multiplayer 20.3%, Simulation 13.2%
- #55 Odd Realm
65% matchVery Positive85% of 992 reviews2024
Dev: Unknown Origin Games Inc
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.6 hrsMean: 6.9 hrs≥1hr: 56%
Forge a new kingdom in a land recovering from the Fracture. Which of the surviving races will you lead to rebuild, explore, and conquer the unknown? The dwindling yet immortal Ancients? The bold and resourceful Humans? The life stealing Ardyn? Or the secretive Gwdir who shape living groves?
Why similar: Colony Sim 47.7% ★, City Builder 28.2%, Strategy 9.4%, Simulation 7.6%, Management 4.3%
- #56 The Universim
65% matchVery Positive80% of 10,483 reviews2024
Dev: Crytivo
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 7.3 hrsMean: 33.9 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Jump straight into managing your own planets as you guide a civilization through the ages. Build the ultimate empire in The Universim, a new breed of God Game in development by Crytivo.
Why similar: Colony Sim 41.5% ★, City Builder 35.1%, Building 10.1%, Strategy 5.8%, Simulation 4.5%
- #57 Make Your Kingdom
68% matchMixed58% of 195 reviews2022
Dev: yo_serjioPub: BigGame Publishing
Windows
Make Your Kingdom is a city-building game unique to its genre. Play as a founder of the settlement — help build your kingdom, carry the resources, talk to other settlers, motivate them and fight off hordes of orcs with your own sword!
Why similar: Colony Sim 30.8% ★, City Builder 28.6%, Economy 14.6%, Building 9%, Strategy 5.3%
- #58 Frozenheim
66% matchMixed70% of 3,855 reviews2022
Dev: Paranoid InteractivePub: Untold Tales
Windows
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 6.6 hrs≥1hr: 68%
Lead your Viking clan onto unknown shores and carve out a future for your people in the fjords of Frozenheim. Gather resources, expand, and watch your settlement grow to a bustling town that will withstand the harshness of winter and wrath of other clans.
Why similar: Colony Sim 39.6% ★, Economy 31.2%, Multiplayer 10.5%, Strategy 8.1%, Simulation 6.6%
- #59 Anno 1503 History Edition
66% matchMostly Positive75% of 109 reviews2024
Dev: Ubisoft MainzPub: Ubisoft
Windows
Experience the classic gameplay of 1503 A.D.: The New World, optimized for current computers with resolutions up to 4K.
Why similar: Colony Sim 27.8% ★, City Builder 24.1%, Grand Strategy 14.2% ★, Economy 10.2%, Strategy 6.2%